Be Near Me
by Andrew O'Hagan
Book Summary Information
Author: Andrew O'HaganEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2007-06-04
ISBN: 0151013039
Number of pages: 320
Publisher: Harcourt
Book Reviews of Be Near Me
Book Review: Spectacular
Summary: 5 Stars
I've liked O'Hagan's writing ever since The Missing and have followed his progress with interest. This new book, which I read in two sittings, is less brutal and 'Scottish' than Our Fathers (I suppose it's more 'accessible,' whatever that means), is - at first glance - less pyrotechnical than Personality, and is by far his best work. There isn't a word out of place. The narrative is like a tightned string. The language and imagery are stunning - one review I read called him a prose poet, and I think that's right. But above all, the generosity of the writing, and the refusal to judge or condemn, are something that will stay with me for a long time. I haven't thought so much about a book for years: is O'Hagan's central character a sort of holy innocent, or deeply flawed, or a narcisstic monster, or just careless? I think he is probably all four. One of the strengths of the book is that it causes you to think deeply about subjects to which it is easy to have a knee-jerk response.
Be Near Me is about a priest, Father David, and about his relationships, including one with a 15-year-old boy. But that's to simplify things - really it's about the nature of love, faith, beauty, and morality. I couldn't recommend it highly enough. It is a stunning achievement.
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